Animal & Pet Portrait Paintings

My Animal & Pet Portrait Paintings:
Capturing Their Spirit

I love painting animals and pets! There’s something truly special about capturing the unique spirit and personality of our furry (or feathery, or scaly!) friends on canvas. Just like people, every animal has its own character, from a playful puppy to a serene cat, or even a majestic wild animal.

For me, these paintings are about more than just their likeness. It’s about showing that spark in their eyes, that particular way they hold their head, or that mischievous look that makes them them. Our pets are family, and wild animals are an essential part of nature’s beauty – it’s a joy to bring their essence to life with paint.

How I Work

My process for animal and pet portraits is consistent with my other work. Each painting starts with two base layers of colored gesso. Then, I sketch out a composition, often based on photographs (though sometimes I sketch intuitively) using pencil or charcoal. After the initial sketch, I apply the first layer with mixed acrylic paints. Finally, I add multiple layers of water-soluble oil paint until I’m happy with the result. I work on various surfaces like canvas, canvas on panel, wooden panels, or high-quality oil paint paper.

A Special Tribute: Commission an Animal or Pet Portrait

Do you want to celebrate your beloved pet? Or perhaps you have a favorite wild animal you admire? I can create a custom portrait that truly captures their unique personality and essence.

Commissioning an animal or pet portrait is a truly heartfelt and lasting gift, either for yourself or for someone who cherishes their companion. It’s a wonderful way to keep their memory alive or honor the special bond you share.

Your commissioned piece will be colorful, energetic, and layered, reflecting my signature style and the individual character of your animal. As with all my paintings, 2% of the proceeds from your commissioned portrait will be donated to the Alzheimer Stichting.

If you’d like to turn your cherished animal’s spirit into a lasting work of art, please contact me to discuss your ideas.